The historic Black Lion Hotel in the heart of Cardigan has reopened its doors following an extensive refurbishment, bringing a fresh new chapter to one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks.
The imposing three-storey, Grade II-listed property on Cardigan’s High Street has undergone a sympathetic yet sumptuous transformation, with all 15 bedrooms, public areas, bar and restaurant spaces carefully upgraded to combine the character and heritage of the building with the comfort and contemporary standards expected by today’s visitors.
Dating back to 1105 and reputed to be the oldest coaching inn in Wales, The Black Lion has long been part of the fabric of Cardigan. Originally known as a ‘Grogg Shoppe’, the historic inn has welcomed generations of travellers and locals – and its latest refurbishment ensures it is ready to welcome a new generation of visitors to West Wales.
The hotel’s 15 bedrooms have each been individually refreshed, retaining the character of the historic property while introducing modern comforts. Every room features an ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower, while selected rooms also offer the added luxury of a freestanding bath. Flat-screen televisions, hairdryers and tea and coffee-making facilities provide everything guests need for a comfortable stay, while daily housekeeping and express check-in and check-out make the hotel particularly well suited to business travellers and those exploring the region as part of a wider itinerary.
At the heart of the hotel is its newly refurbished restaurant and bar, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and relaxed dining throughout the day. Under the expert leadership of renowned chef Ludo Dieumiguard, the kitchen showcases locally sourced ingredients with a menu designed to appeal to both visitors and the local community – from a traditional Welsh breakfast and lighter bites to more indulgent evening dining.
Guests can enjoy a relaxed drink or meal before heading out to explore, or settle in for the evening and experience the warm, informal hospitality for which the Welsh market town is renowned.
The Black Lion’s central location makes it an ideal base for discovering Cardigan and the wider Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire coast. Situated directly on the High Street, the hotel is just moments from the historic Cardigan Castle and within easy reach of the River Teifi, spectacular coastal scenery, beaches, walking routes and the many independent shops, galleries, cafés and attractions that make Cardigan a popular destination for visitors.
Wells Jones, Owner of The Flatrock GroupWe are delighted to have reopened the doors of this much-loved hotel in the centre of Cardigan and to have given The Black Lion a new lease of life. Every detail of the refurbishment has been carefully considered, from the bedrooms and bathrooms through to the restaurant and public spaces."
Wells continued to say “The Black Lion has such a special place in the history of Cardigan, and we wanted to respect that heritage while creating somewhere that feels welcoming, comfortable and relevant for today’s visitors. We look forward to welcoming guests from near and far and giving them the opportunity to experience Cardigan and this beautiful corner of West Wales. From our family to yours, we give you Y Llew Du.”
A wider portfolio of West Wales accommodation
The Black Lion forms part of The Flatrock Group, an independent, family-owned hospitality group with a growing portfolio of hotels, holiday accommodation, restaurants and leisure experiences across West Wales.
For visitors looking to explore the Cardigan Bay area, the Group offers a choice of accommodation to suit different travel styles and itineraries.
Just a short distance from Cardigan, The Gwbert Hotel offers comfortable accommodation overlooking Cardigan Bay, including luxurious suites with spectacular coastal views. Its Flatrock Bar & Restaurant provides an attractive dining option for guests and visitors, making it an ideal base for those looking to combine coastal scenery with the convenience of hotel accommodation.
For a more luxurious coastal escape, The Cliff Hotel & Spa sits high above Cardigan Bay, offering panoramic sea views, 76 ensuite bedrooms, an onsite luxury spa, restaurants and dedicated meeting and event facilities. The hotel provides an ideal option for leisure breaks, group stays, wellness escapes and business travel.
For visitors seeking greater independence, Gwbert Holidays offers 13 luxury self-catering holiday homes in and around Gwbert-on-Sea. Each property provides a private hot tub or swim spa, with many offering stunning coastal views, and all are pet friendly – making them particularly well suited to families and longer stays.
Together, The Flatrock Group’s properties provide a diverse accommodation portfolio across Cardigan and Cardigan Bay, offering visitors the flexibility to choose between a historic town-centre hotel, a luxury coastal hotel or a private self-catering retreat, while providing an excellent base from which to discover the beaches, coastline, countryside, culture and heritage of West Wales.
